Aspen Leaf Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Aspen Leaf is a private irrigation dam located in Gunnison, Colorado, specifically in the city of Paonia.


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Summary

Completed in 1947, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet, with a structural height of 30 feet. It serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), Aspen Leaf is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam poses a high risk due to its condition assessment being rated as satisfactory. The last inspection was conducted in June 2015, with a frequency of every 6 years, and emergency action plans are yet to be prepared.

Situated along Muddy Creek-TR, Aspen Leaf plays a crucial role in the local water resource management, providing irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands. It stands as a testament to Colorado's commitment to sustainable water infrastructure, balancing the need for water supply with environmental conservation and safety considerations.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

MUDDY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled, Valve

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.